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Writer's pictureJordan Hinsch

14 Best Weekend Getaways from Mesa, Arizona (within a 4-hour flight)


14 Best Weekend Getaways from Mesa, Arizona (within a 4-hour flight)
14 Best Weekend Getaways from Mesa, Arizona (within a 4-hour flight)

Mesa, Arizona, is a dynamic city located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its stunning desert landscape and warm climate, Mesa offers residents and visitors a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, and exploring nearby Saguaro Lake. The city is also rich in cultural attractions, with highlights such as the Mesa Arts Center, which hosts concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions. Mesa is steeped in history, with attractions like the Mesa Grande Cultural Park and the Arizona Museum of Natural History showcasing the area's Native American and pioneer heritage. With its family-friendly atmosphere and thriving economy, Mesa continues to attract new residents and businesses alike.


If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Mesa, Arizona area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers); it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.





Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 4 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $250+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Spring, Summer, Fall

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $400+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.





Cancun & Tulum, Mexico (CUN) - 4 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Your money goes a long way in Cancun: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.

  • Your money doesn’t go very far in Tulum: boutique hotels (some are grossly overpriced), many hotels have no air conditioning, taxis and bike rentals will try to rip you off.

  • If you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, go to Tulum Beach.

  • If you’re looking for culture and less expensive eats, go to Tulum Centro.

  • Tulum is actually a great experience if you have the right mindset going into your vacation.

What to do?

When to go?

  • December to April for the best weather.

  • Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be at peace.

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $400+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?





Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 1 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $50+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT)   - 1 Hour and 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $90+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.


San Diego, California (SAN) - 1 Hour and 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $70+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3 Hour and 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Food, bars, sports, rivers!

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.


Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $80+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 3 Hour and 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $200+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.





Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour and 30 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour and 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Spring, Summer and Fall

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $400+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.

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Hey! I'm Jordan, a native New Yorker who is addicted to adventure travel, photography, content creation, investing, and fitness. Read on, enjoy, and Never Run Out of First Times!

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